What To Look For When Buying Bamboo Sheets

There are a lot of reasons to love bamboo. The plant is sustainable, grows quickly, and is naturally antimicrobial and moisture wicking. So it’s no surprise that sheets made from bamboo are growing rapidly in popularity – and it doesn’t hurt that they’re super soft, too.

With a growing number of options in stores and online, it can be hard to know which set of sheets to pick and if they’re as legit as they promise. Here are a few thing to take into consideration next time you’re looking for the bamboo sheets for your bed.

Fabric Labels. While you’re shopping for your new bamboo sheets, keep an eye out for labels. You may see things like 100% Viscose from Bamboo, Rayon from Bamboo or even Tencel Bamboo and Linen from Bamboo labeled on bamboo sheets.

So, what exactly does that mean? The science can get a little complicated but, in general, there is more than one way to process the bamboo plant into fabric for bed sheets. Some of these manufacturing process use less chemicals and are more eco-friendly than others, so it’s worth digging deeper if environmental impact is important to you.

Weave. Just like cotton sheets, bamboo thread can be woven into different styles that alter the way they feel. More often than not you’ll find bamboo sheets in Sateen or Twill weaves (they also come in blends as well). Twill is the most durable but Sateen sheets will have the softest and most luxurious texture.

Care Level. Bamboo sheets are soft, lightweight and will stay in good shape as long they’re cared for properly. It is important to always follow the care instructions on your specific set of sheets and keep in mind that some require more delicate care than others. In general, they will suggest a mild soap and gentle cold/warm cycle in the washing machine.

You can potentially damage your bamboo sheets if you dry them on a high heat. Always follow the care instructions and aim for a cooler/lower heat setting or (air dry in some cases) if possible to avoid harming the bamboo fibers.

Certification. If you’re going to invest in a set of bamboo sheets, look for certifications from independent textile testing and certification companies like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to make sure you’re purchasing sheets from a reputable and reliable brand.

Price. Because of their popularity and their soft and luxurious feel, bamboo sheets tend to be priced a little higher than cotton sheets. You can certainly find Queen size sets for less than $100, especially if you catch them on sale. But more often than not they’ll cost more – some can even go for more than $200 a set.